“The Community Action Center is an enormously important and vital unit that annually helps thousands of New Yorkers to resolve their problems,” Thompson said. “Center staff is there to listen, to investigate, and to help.”

The Center works with New Yorkers and former residents, contractors, elected officials, City employees and retirees, who call throughout the day to get information about the public pension system, city contracts, procurement policies, and information about filing claims.

Over the past three years, CAC has helped more than 55,316 New Yorkers. This year so far, CAC has worked on 1,445 cases and answered 11,236 telephone calls involving issues about claims, pension benefits, contract registration and payments, predatory lending and audits.

CAC works closely with the City’s 311 unit, and frequently serves as a back-up resource for information. Often, 311 operators have referred callers to CAC to address specific inquiries.

“We encourage New Yorkers to call 311 for help and information related to municipal services, but want people to know that we are still here and readily available to help as well,” said Carmen L. Martinez, CAC’s Director. “We continue to work diligently to make sure that anyone who calls gets assistance.”

The Center can be reached by phone, by mail or in person. The Center is located at 1 Centre Street, Room 835, New York, N.Y. 10007. Individuals can call the CAC at (212) 669-3916 if in New York City, (800) 800-6385 if outside of the City, or (212) 669-3450 by TTY. People also can contact the CAC by fax at (212) 669-2707 or by email at action@comptroller.nyc.gov.

###